Abstract:
Background: Xerosis, or dry skin, is a widespread dermatologic condition whose burden is intensifying with glob al aridification. Vulnerable populations, particularly children and the elderly, are disproportionately affected due to age-related impairments in skin barrier function.
Objective: To synthesize emerging evidence on how global climate-driven aridity disrupts skin physiology and contributes to xerosis across pediatric and geriatric populations.
Methods: A literature review was conducted using peer-reviewed articles published between 2011 and 2025, iden tified through PubMed and Scopus. Key search terms included “xerosis,” “dry skin,” “skin barrier,” “transepi dermal water loss,” “arid climate,” “low humidity,” “pediatric skin,” “infant skin barrier,” “geriatric dermatol ogy,” “elderly skin,” “ceramides,” “climate change,” and “environmental skin exposure.”
Results: Climate stressors such as low humidity, extreme temperatures, wind exposure, and airborne pollutants were consistently associated with increased transepidermal water loss, disrupted lipid organization, and epider mal inflammation. Pediatric skin was uniquely susceptible due to a thin stratum corneum, underdeveloped lipid lamellae, and high surface-area-to-volume ratios. Geriatric skin exhibited reduced ceramide synthesis, elevated surface pH, and impaired desquamation. Institutional and indoor arid environments further worsened skin dry ness. Multiple studies demonstrated that physiologic emollients (e.g., ceramide-dominant, urea-based) significant ly improved hydration and barrier integrity, particularly in climate-vulnerable patients.
Conclusion: Xerosis is an underrecognized climate-sensitive dermatologic condition. Age-specific barrier vulner abilities demand proactive, climate-adapted prevention and treatment strategies. Integrating dermatologic care with environmental health awareness is essential to reducing morbidity from xerosis in both pediatric and elderly populations.
